Eagles’ Matt Barkley Going After the Starting Job

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Most experts feel that the Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback in 2013 will be either Michael Vick or Nick Foles. But rookie Matt Barkley wanted to remind everyone that he’s not going to take a backseat to anyone.

“There is an open competition. I absolutely feel like I’ve got to be a part of it. I’ve got to challenge myself, just like any other guy on the team,” Barkley said.

A four-year starter at USC, Barkley was considered a top-10 pick last season before deciding to return to school for his senior season. While Barkley still put up respectable numbers, his performance, as well as the team, disappointed in terms of expectations.

As a result, Barkley fell all the way to the fourth round. Still, the Eagles decided to take a chance on him.

Meanwhile, Vick has been the team’s primary starter for the past three seasons. Foles made six starts in 2012 when Vick went down due to injury.